Ivory Coast Joins UN Water Convention as 10th African Nation

Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) has recently become the 53rd Party to the 1992 UN Water Convention, officially known as the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes. This accession marks Ivory Coast as the 10th African nation to join the treaty. The move highlights a growing trend among African nations to enhance cooperative water management amidst increasing water stress and climate change impacts.

Importance for Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast, with a population of approximately 30 million, shares eight transboundary river basins with neighboring countries, including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The country’s water resources face significant challenges due to rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate change effects such as drought and flooding. Additionally, water quality is deteriorating due to pollution from various sources. Joining the convention will support Ivory Coast in addressing these challenges through enhanced regional cooperation.

Details on the UN Water Convention

Origins and Purpose

Adopted in Helsinki in 1992 and entering into force in 1996, the Convention promotes the sustainable management of shared water resources, conflict prevention, and regional integration. It requires Parties to cooperate on transboundary waters, prevent negative impacts, and use water resources equitably.

Global Scope

Initially a regional framework for Europe, the Convention expanded globally in 2016. It now includes Parties from various regions, with recent additions from Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Impact and Implementation

The Convention supports the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 6.5, which calls for integrated water resources management and transboundary cooperation.

Significance for Africa

Africa’s water resources are critical for economic growth and poverty alleviation, with 63 international river basins covering 62% of the continent’s land area. Ivory Coast’s accession strengthens regional water cooperation, crucial for managing the continent’s extensive transboundary water resources. The Convention facilitates cooperation on both surface water and groundwater, supporting climate change adaptation and sustainable management.

Upcoming Accessions

At least three more African nations—Sierra Leone, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—are expected to join the Convention soon. Sierra Leone has confirmed its intention to accelerate the accession process, while Zambia and Zimbabwe are in advanced stages of joining. These additions are set to be discussed at the 10th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention in October 2024 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.